Red ribbons and flowers lent a burst of color to Southold’s historic mile markers Saturday as residents and visitors alike took time to celebrate the rich pieces of the town’s history.
According to the Southold375.com website, Benjamin Franklin was appointed as the postmaster general of the British Colonies in 1753. As part of his duties as postmaster general for the colonies, he surveyed the mail routes — the post roads — from Virginia to Boston.
To that end, markers were placed approximately a mile apart along the way in 1755. “One of his inventions was a ‘weasel,’ which functioned as an odometer for a horse cart, which he used to mark out the post roads,” the site explains.
Later, in the early 19th century, the commissioner of highways had stone mile markers placed along the postal routes, which still exist throughout Southold Town.
Mike Hopkins and Frank Romano, the first pair to complete the full Mile Marker tour in Orient, said they were out from East Northport to celebrate Romano’s birthday. They met up with “Ben Franklin” — played by Dan McCarthy — in Orient, where they got their commemorative Mile Marker Day postcard, designed by local artist Art Buff, stamped.
Participants were able to kick off the Scavenger Hunt on Frankenville Road in Laurel and answer questions at each Mile Marker to receive the collectible United States Postal Service postcard stamped by Benjamin Franklin in Orient.
Saturday’s event was one of the highlights of the year’s 375th anniversary celebration, with history coming alive for all ages.
“In the spirit of Benjamin Franklin, we are celebrating by retracing his route down the North Fork, visiting each marker, with events staged at selected markers along the way,” the site said.
Participants began the day at Mile Marker #7 on Franklinville Road in Laurel, across from and just east of the Elbow Room Too, and then set their odometers to zero, heading east, with mile markers roughly a mile apart. In total, there are 24 mile markers numbered #7 through #30. .
The first Mile Marker in Southold Town stands in front of a home built over 300 years ago, on what was once The King’s Highway. According to Althea Travis, who owns the home, Mile Marker Day is very exciting, helping to spotlight the town’s place in history.
Travis said she was in Peekskill last week for an event and noted that the other cities are also gaining awareness of the historical importance of mile markers and working to preserve them.
Cork Maul, who worked for months on the Mile Marker Day event, and who also serves on the town’s 375th anniversary committee, said all of Southold’s 24 mile markers are in place.
In a stunning development, Maul said, Mile Marker #8, after a quarter century spent in the basement of the Custer Institute, was found in four pieces and put back in its spot in Laurel just in time for today’s event.
Beth Young, who also worked on the event, said without even being asked, residents planted flowers and cleaned up the areas near mile markers on private property, even adorning the areas with patriotic flags.
Saturday’s scavenger hunt served as an educational experience for young and old. “I learned a lot about history,” said elementary school student Luca Rallis. “You become part of history and can learn about it, right here in Southold.”
In Orient, McCarthy said the event was “tremendous. Just sensational.”
Southold Town Councilman Bob Ghosio said a lot of planning went into Mile Marker Day and said the markers, dating back hundreds of years, are an ideal and authentic way to celebrate the town’s anniversary.
The event is just one of a year-long slate of activities scheduled to mark Southold’s 375th anniversary. A cocktail party was held at Brecknock Hall in January, with town officials and other dignitaries invited.
Another component of the year-long celebration, Adler said, will include digital storytelling at area schools at the end of June, with an exhibit at the end of the series.
On Independence Day, July 4, the North Fork Chorale group is slated to play at Silversmith Corner. And on August 1, a parade in Southold will be a highlight of the festivities. Another Douglas Moore Memorial concert will follow on August 8.
Fall will include events such as a tour of historic homes, a volunteer day, and an event for the Latino community, organized by Sister Margaret Smyth of the North Fork Spanish Apostolate, which will include food and entertainment. That event, Adler said, will be held late in the season, after the Latino community has completed their “hard work on the farms, making it easier for them to be present.”
Also upcoming will be an event focused on the African American community, organized by Eleanor Lingo, Adler said.
A website and a Facebook page have been set up with information regarding all the Southold 375 festivities.
